[back to the information center]
THE NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE SELECTION PROCESS
 [Source: http://www.njsp.org/recruit/select.html] Updated June 13, 2007
Initial Application
Interested parties may obtain a standard application from the Division of State Police. This form can be obtained from all State Police Stations, county clerk offices, State Police Recruiters and the NJSP website. The application will elicit biographical, educational and employment information from the applicant. The application will also describe minimum qualifications and automatic disqualifiers that would preclude a potential applicant from continuing in the selection process, as well as a detailed description of all phases of the Selection Process.
Application Screening
All applications will be screened to determine minimum qualifications, automatic disqualifiers, and completeness. Candidates will be advised of the status of their application. Successful applicants will be invited to the Physical Qualification Test (PQT) and Pre-Employment Preparation Program (PEPP).
Pre-Employment Preparation Program (PEPP)
Please visit the PEPP link - http://www.njsp.org/recruit/pepp.html
Physical Qualification Test (PQT)
The Physical Qualification Test (PQT) Battery will consist of the following timed tests: 75 Yard Pursuit Run, Push Ups, Sit Ups, and 1.5 Mile Run. Applicants unable to pass the PQT will be disqualified from the current selection process. Please visit the PQT link (http://www.njsp.org/recruit/pqt.html) on the New Jersey State Police web site www.njsp.org for a detailed description of each test.
Additional Physical Fitness Information
Written Examination
Applicants that pass the Physical Qualification Test (PQT) will be invited to the written examination. Applicants are assigned a specific testing date and time. A Written Examination Informational Guide will be distributed to applicants advancing to the written examination phase. The written examination will consist of one full day of testing. Applicants who receive passing results will continue in the selection process.
Background Investigation
Applicants must have a good reputation and be of sound moral character. Factors, which are automatic disqualifications for the position of New Jersey State Trooper, are listed in the application. An applicant’s background will be carefully investigated and the answers, which are supplied on the application and written examination, are subject to verification. An applicant who has intentionally made a false statement or practiced, or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in this application, in any examination, interview, application, or in securing eligibility for appointment may be rejected from the process. Any intentional misstatement of fact is reason for disqualification from the selection process, and may be punished by law.
Applicants who are disqualified at the background investigation phase are restricted from reapplying to the New Jersey State Police for one year.
Medical / Psychological Examination
If an offer of appointment as a recruit to the NJSP Academy is tendered to an applicant, it will be conditional upon successful completion of a medical examination and a psychological evaluation. A medical examination will be given during which the ability to perform the essential functions of the position will be evaluated by the Division Physician. Visual acuity must be correctable to 20/30 in both eyes, preferably with soft contact lenses. Each potential recruit will be required to authorize access to all health records. The potential recruit will also be required to provide urine samples for drug testing analysis. If the Division Physician should determine that an applicant is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, the conditional offer of appointment will be withdrawn. A psychological evaluation is also conducted. Applicants who successfully complete this phase may be offered an appointment to the New Jersey State Police Academy.
Academy Awareness Program
The two-day (consecutive/overnight) instructional weekend program is mandatory to maintain eligibility in the selection process. The Academy Awareness Program consists of classroom, physical fitness, and academy protocol instruction. Applicants are exposed to a highly regimented experience that provides unprecedented exposure to the New Jersey State Police Academy. Upon successful completion of the program, applicants receive a final appointment to the academy
Acceptance to Academy
All applicants who pass the medical and psychological exam may be scheduled to appear at the State Police Academy to begin the training process.
A biweekly sum of approximately $780.77 will be paid to recruits while training. Room and board will also be provided during training. Upon successful completion of training, the starting salary for a Trooper will be $55,719.51(including an $800 clothing allowance). The second year total compensation jumps to $62,367.69. Troopers also receive yearly increments. These are subject to appropriation and contract negotiations. New Jersey residency is required upon graduation from the Academy.
Health benefits including a prescription plan for recruits and dependents does not go into effect until approximately six weeks after the start of the academy. Recruits will be able to select from two options of medical coverage. N.J. Plus (Preferred Provider Organization) or from one of several Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). It is suggested that you make arrangements for health coverage for the first two months during training. It may be in your best interest to consider a COBRA policy for this time period.
Dental insurance is not available for recruits or their family until completion of the academy. At that time the newly hired Trooper may select from the traditional State Dental Expense Plan (Prudential) or from one of twelve Dental Plan Organizations (DPO). Actual coverage will not begin until six weeks after graduation.
APPLICANTS FAILING TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE APPLICANT SELECTION PROCESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REAPPLY FOR FUTURE NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE RECRUIT CLASSES
For specific information concerning the re-application process please contact the Selection Process Unit at 609-882-2000 extensions 2951, 2853 or 2850.
